Geriatric Psychiatry at the Interface of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Primary Care

Abstract

Objective:

This article describes the evolution of a primary care geriatric psychiatry program which serves clinical, educational, and research functions.

Methods:

Program development proceeded through stages of liaison using research, focusing on primary care attendings, and developing the common interest of geriatrics.

Results:

Collaborative research with external funding has continued. A geriatric psychiatry primary care fellowship program was established. Clinical activity is based on consultation-liaison work in nursing homes, an outpatient dementia clinic, a general hospital medical service, and the outpatient clinic. Fellows are involved in training both psychiatry and primary care residents.

Conclusions:

Necessary components of a successful collaboration include: 1) primary care physicians with an interest in and aptitude for psychiatric issues; 2) delivery of service and training based on an assessment of the primary care site's needs; 3) a physical presence in the primary care site.